Silk Road taking on a new look

During his visit to Kazakhstan in September, PresidentXi Jinping proposed that China and Central Asia join hands to build a Silk Road economic belt to boost cooperation. The idea has been widely echoed in Central Asian countries, becoming an encouraging blueprint for Chinese areas along the Silk Road that has linked Asia and Europe for more than 2,000 years.

In the next three weeks, China Daily reporters will travel along the belt in China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. They will show the progress and expectations of the countries, businesses and peoples on the route.

Cross-border trade volume at Horgos Port, a border station connecting China and Kazakhstan, is expected to grow by 14 percent by the end of this year as Central Asian andEuropean countries vie for larger footholds in the Chinese market. >>

The construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt could create more job opportunities for young people in Kazakhstan because it will attract more Chinese businesses to invest in the neighboring country. >>

More Chinese companies are seeing opportunities brought by the opening up of Uzbekistan to set up businesses in the Central Asian nation, making it easier to expand their trade in the region and to Europe.>>

THE SILK ROAD NOW AND THEN

Around 2,000 years ago, caravans of camels carrying goods followed specific routes acrossEurasia, overcoming deserts and mountains and linking the continent's east and west sides with silk, jewelry and spice.

Now the journey's eastern destination, the world's second largest economy, is devoting itself to rejuvenating the ancient route named the Silk Road and bringing economic impetus to countries along the path.

The Silk Road is a series of routes for trade and cultural exchange connectingChina and European countriessince around 100 BC, with central Asia as the intermediate station. The route became prosperous in China's Tang Dynasty, the capital of which, Chang'an (today known as Xi'an), was opening up and hosted envoys from over 70 countries, foreign merchants and overseas students.

The Marine Silk Road, like the ancient Silk Road that connected China with south, west and central Asia and Europe, was also a bridge for connecting Eastern and Western cultures.

With the excavation of the wreck of an ancient Chinese merchant ship, archaeologists expect to find a trove of historical relics, unveiling more details of theMaritimeSilk Road.

First discovered in 1987 off the coast near Yangjiang, Nanhai No 1 dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty in the 13th century and is recognized as one of the oldest and biggest merchant boats ever sunk in Chinese waters.>>

Chengdu is now thriving with a modern economy built on high-technology industries that are driving its growth and providing a window on its innovative strength.>>

Taking advantage of the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe international railway,Chongqing is becoming a new starting point for the new Silk Road economic belt. >>

Since theNingxia Hui autonomous region began hosting the China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum in 2010, it has become a hub of investment from Arabic countries.>>

With a number of new projects approved,Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is reviving the commercial splendor of the ancient Silk Road.>>

Xi'an: Int'l cargo hub on trackIn 2013, trade volume between Xi'an and Kazakhstan reached $ 25 million and there is still scope for both countries to further cooperate, especially in the field of investment.>>

Lanzhouhas strategic significance by linking together the region - serving as a gateway between the northwest's two major cities of Urumqi and Xi'an and as a go-between for the adjacent capital cities of Xining and Yinchuan.>>

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